Home Inspector FAQs
Answered by Experienced Home Inspectors
What does a home inspector do?
For general aspects of what a home inspection career is like, here is what the job of a home inspector entails.
Many people ask if a home inspector is required to walk on the roof or go through a crawlspace. Inspector standards usually say that inspectors are not required to do anything that will harm them.
Many people ask if a home inspector is required to walk on the roof or go through a crawlspace. Inspector standards usually say that inspectors are not required to do anything that will harm them.
What does a home inspection cover?
A home inspector is like a detective trying to identify the problems in a home. The more thoroughly you cover the areas of the home during your inspection, the greater your chances of getting more referrals for your business. You will want to learn more about topics like electrical, HVAC, plumbing, foundations and exteriors to impress your clients with your knowledge of homes.
How much money does a home inspector make?
The more home inspections you complete, the higher your income. Even a part-time Home Inspector can do quite well. It doesn't take much calculating to see that the costs of the training, equipment, low overhead, etc. of becoming a Home Inspector are relatively small compared with the potential rewards of doing home inspections. The U.S. Department of Labor gathers statistics on the median income of inspectors. Click here to see those numbers. ABSBI helps you get to the point where you can do an above average inspection, which can lead to an above average income.
How long will it take me to become a home inspector?
The states that regulate home inspectors have requirements that range from 40 hours to 194 hours of training. Some states require that you sit in the classroom while others allow online training courses. Some states also require that you spend time in the field with an experienced home inspector. Click on the States tab above to see what your state requires.
Our courses are either online or distance learning. The time it takes to finish these home inspector training courses is more a function of how much free time you have. The more time you have in your schedule to devote to learning, the faster you will complete your training. If you are required to take a 60 hour course, assume that it will take 60 hours to complete.
After you finish the training, you will probably have to take a state exam. There is also time required in submitting your application to the state and waiting for that approval before you receive your license.
Our courses are either online or distance learning. The time it takes to finish these home inspector training courses is more a function of how much free time you have. The more time you have in your schedule to devote to learning, the faster you will complete your training. If you are required to take a 60 hour course, assume that it will take 60 hours to complete.
After you finish the training, you will probably have to take a state exam. There is also time required in submitting your application to the state and waiting for that approval before you receive your license.
How long does it take to do a home inspection?
Home inspections typically take 2 to 3 hours on site. However that will vary by the size and the age of the house. Of course, you do not want to over schedule inspections that could put your reputation at risk. However, if you can do 2 to 3 inspections a day at $300 each, you know you are heading down the right path.
how do i set up a home inspection business?
Since most home inspectors are self-employed, they set up their own business and control their own schedule. Here are the steps to set up a home inspection business.
What education or training is needed to become a home inspector?
Every state has different rules and requirements to become a licensed home inspector. Most states require educational training. There are a few states that don't even regulate their home inspectors. Click to see what your state requires.
what is the difference between a home inspector and a building inspector?
Home Inspector and Building Inspector are two different professions. A Home Inspector works independently and is hired by someone purchasing a home to determine the condition of the house. (A Home Inspector does not do code inspections). A Home Inspector is usually paid by the client after completing the inspection and submitting a report. A Home Inspector is usually licensed by the state and has to follow state rules to obtain that license. A majority of home inspectors own their own business.
A Building Inspector works for a municipality to ensure new homes are being built to code. Building Inspectors are hired as employees of the municipality and the requirements for selecting building inspectors can differ. Also, you can only find these jobs when there are openings. Most municipalities use the ICC/IRC code. The ICC/IRC has certifications in 4 areas: Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. You can become a Combination Residential Inspector who covers all 4 areas or you can specialize in just one area as a Building Inspector.
A Building Inspector works for a municipality to ensure new homes are being built to code. Building Inspectors are hired as employees of the municipality and the requirements for selecting building inspectors can differ. Also, you can only find these jobs when there are openings. Most municipalities use the ICC/IRC code. The ICC/IRC has certifications in 4 areas: Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. You can become a Combination Residential Inspector who covers all 4 areas or you can specialize in just one area as a Building Inspector.
If i have a home inspection license and i move to a new state, do i need to get a new license?
In most cases, yes. Home inspectors are regulated by the states, not the federal government. Most states do not have reciprocity agreements with other states for home inspectors. If you have a license in a state that is regulated, some states will take that into account when you apply for a license in a new state. Check with the state.
can a home inspection school certify me to be a home inspector?
Certification is left up to the states. When states choose to license, certify or register their home inspectors, those rules must be followed. Only the state can certify you as licensed--a training school does not have that authority. Associations can only certify that you are a member of their association, not that you are certified by the state.